Photo Of Boy Wounded In Syrian Airstrike Becomes Symbol Of The Conflict’s Brutality

A harrowing picture of a young boy covered in blood and dirt has become a symbol of the unflinching brutality of the war in Syria.

Omran Daqneesh, who is believed to be five years old, was one of five children injured when an air strike hit Qaterji, a neighbourhood in the war-torn city of Aleppo.

The photo of the little boy, which shows him sitting in the waiting room of a local hospital, has been shared thousands of times after it was taken by a doctor working in Aleppo.

Reacting to the heartbreaking image, one Twitter user wrote: ‘He’s my son’s age. He could be my son. I want to snatch him from this photo and hold him.’

Another added: ‘My goodness, may God protect him.’

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A separate video released by Aleppo Media Centre showed the moment that Omran was pulled from the rubble of the strike before he was taken to hospital.

In a follow up picture, Omran is seen after receiving treatment for his head injury. He was later released from hospital.